SSE Renewables outlines commitment to collaboration with Irish fishing industry

The report, launched at the Irish Skipper Expo in Limerick, outlines the steps taken by SSE Renewables to build upon the existing relationship within the fishing industry and how both sectors can positively co-exist in the environment. The inaugural report focuses on the development processes and presents SSE Renewables’ key principles of communication, collaboration and co-existence, which aim to facilitate more synergy when co-locating with the fishing industry by minimising negative impact and maximising shared benefits.

The report lays out SSE Renewables’ commitment to ensuring all its operations are built on a framework that understands, acknowledges and seeks to address the fisheries sector’s concerns and viewpoints and allows fishers to comment on development activities. The first of its kind to be launched in the Irish market, the report will reflect the leading renewable developer’s approach to engagement with the fishing industry as it works to deliver an offshore pipeline of up to 5GW by 2030.

The Irish Skipper Expo, Ireland’s leading commercial fishing industry event, was selected as the preferred occasion to launch the report, following an insightful Irish Seafarer’s Conference on the previous day, during which the need for meaningful engagement and communication between both industries was highlighted by key sector representatives.

"The transition to net zero must be fair which is why we are working proactively and collaboratively with commercial fisheries across all jurisdictions that we operate within to understand their needs and concerns. The development and building of offshore wind energy at scale and pace is essential for meeting global net zero targets, however, it is crucial we appreciate that there are other marine users who may be affected by our activities. We are committed to working with commercial fisheries which is why we’ve published a report of this nature for the first time. It underlines our vision to build upon our existing relationships with our neighbours in the marine environment as we continue to accelerate the growth of our offshore wind portfolio," said Barry Kilcline, Head of Offshore (Ireland) for SSE Renewables.

"Offshore wind will form the backbone of the transition to net zero. If we are to decarbonise our world, we must ensure we also safeguard the needs of our fisheries sector for future generations. We believe we can only achieve this if we work together; through transparency, co-operation and understanding. We can learn from the past, but we must now look forward. We hope this report, outlining our vision, will lay the framework for strengthening our relationships with the fisheries sector and facilitate successful co-existence in the marine environment," Fingal McKiernan, SSE Renewables Commercial Fisheries Manager.